For four long years, Reni Sualeha has lived in the shadow of a monster, a menacing chemical flow of fetid gray mud that belches unchecked from the bowels of the earth near her home. Known as the Lusi mud volcano, its spread is so relentless — burping noxious gas, swallowing communities, killing 14 people and forcing the evacuations of 60,000 — that some say it could star in its own sci-fi thriller. Those in the United States who are wondering just how long the ruptured oil well in the Gulf of Mexico could possibly keep gushing should listen to Sualeha's cautionary tale.

Some important information was omitted from "Indonesia Eager for Foreign Investment" (Dec. 11). The article mentions some unfair Indonesian business practices that have discouraged foreign investment in the past, but there is no mention about the continuing problems of corruption and human rights abuses in Indonesia. The Suharto dictatorship is notorious for demanding bribes to do business in Indonesia and for ignoring environmental degradation, sweatshops and unfair trade practices.

Re Jim Mann's "Indications Point to Clinton Toughening Indonesia Policy," International Outlook, Jan. 29: Indonesia has consistently worked to improve industrial relations, including worker rights and conditions of employment. We have made great strides in addressing freedom of association rights and the right to organize and bargain collectively. A significant step forward was encouraging the development of democratically established and independent company-level unions that can negotiate collective-bargaining agreements with management.

President Obama is putting off his June trip to Indonesia and Australia, postponing the visit for a second time this year as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues unabated. President Obama is putting off his June trip to Indonesia and Australia, postponing the visit for a second time this year as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues unabated. Obama called the leaders of both countries Thursday night to convey his regrets, according to a senior administration official.

The government of Japan takes exception to Karl Schoenberger's article on Japanese aid to Indonesia (June 9). The author criticizes Japan's aid to Indonesia as aimed at benefiting Japanese companies rather than assisting the Indonesians to develop their economy and society, with specific reference to the Asahan project. Japan has been vigorously implementing the principle of "untied" ODA (official development assistance) loans since 1978. In Indonesia, all projects financed with Japan's ODA loans are open to bidders of all countries.

Shaken by the depressed oil market, Indonesia's economy is headed for zero growth at best this year after government countermeasures--including a 31% devaluation of the country's currency--have failed so far to turn it around. "We are back on solid ground," Ali Wardhana, the minister of economy and industry, maintained after devaluation of the rupiah last month. But businessmen and non-government economists are doubtful.

Here's a $946 round-trip fare from LAX to Jakarta, Indonesia, on China Airlines, but the booking window is short: The fare must be bought by Friday. The fare, which includes all taxes and fees, is subject to availability for travel Mondays-Thursdays from Sept. 3 until Nov. 29. There's a maximum stay of one month. Info: China Airlines , (800) 227-5118 Source: Airfarewatchdog

Indonesian soldiers lugged guns and heavy bags up gangplanks Thursday as they completed the final phase of a troop reduction in Aceh province -- a key step in an accord with separatist rebels to end a nearly 30-year war. The last of 24,000 troops pulled out on five navy ships and a Hercules air carrier, just days after Free Aceh Movement rebels completed the hand-over of their weapons and disbanded their military wing.

President Obama will probably cut short his one-day Indonesia visit because volcanic ash is complicating air travel in the region, aides said as Air Force One arrived here Tuesday. The change would be just the latest of several disruptions in the president's trip to the country where he lived for a while as a child. The Tuesday arrival comes after two cancellations earlier in the year, first because of a congressional vote on the president's healthcare plan and then because of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

A hazardous haze dissipated in Malaysia, but anger mounted against Indonesia for failing to control forest fires at the root of the pollution, which forced the closure of schools and workplaces and increased respiratory ailments. "Enough Is Enough, Indonesia," said a headline in the Star newspaper. The haze is caused by the annual fires on Sumatra island -- across a narrow strip of sea from Malaysia -- where farmers, plantation owners and miners clear land during dry weather.